Handmade help for Valentine's Day

February 13, 2012|Renee Enna, Tribune Media Services

Valentine’s Day is an easy target for anti-Cupids who justifiably berate the lovey-dovey overkill. We, however, happily ignore the nonsense and focus instead on the holiday’s sweetness. It’s an opportunity to let all of our valentines—friends and family alike—know how much we love them. Not with an overpriced restaurant meal or box of candy but rather with a handmade card. Although making cards takes time and supplies, it can be much less expensive if you don’t go crazy. And you don’t have to. Here are a few favorite websites with great accessible ideas, as well as a crafty software program we’ve been using for years.

The FamilyFun site (familyfun.go.com) offers a photo gallery of clever, kid-friendly valentines, including a butterfly that starts with a stick of gum, and a firecracker that gets a spark from a Hershey’s Kiss. Designed for youngsters, but grown-ups will be inspired too.

CraftStylish.com, a website from The Taunton Press, has lovely ideas, especially Susan Beal’s sweet and simple beadedheart card. However, Jeffery Rudell’s valentine, crafted from onion skins, is worth a peek, not just for its beauty but also his funny/bittersweet essay about honoring your inner Valentine.

Finally, this one will cost you: We have been using Hallmark Card Studio software for years. It’s $30 to $50, depending on how much you want or need. Although it has hundreds of ready-made cards to print, we use this program to design our own by utilizing its thousands of graphics, photo editing tools and much more. Go to hall marksoftware.com.